Product Data Sheet Show all documents

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540

High range superplasticizer for concrete

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 is a polycarboxylate based high range superplasticizer for concrete and mortar. Used for the production of site batched and ready mix concrete with extended slump retention, high water reduction and high strength development of concrete mixes.

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 acts by different mechanisms. Through surface absorption and sterical separation effect on the cement particles, in parallel to the hydration on process, the following properties are obtained:
  • Strong self compacting behaviour, therefore suitable for the production of self compacting concrete (S.C.C)
  • Extremely high water reduction (resulting in high density and strengths)
  • Excellent flowability (resulting in highly reduced placing and compacting efforts)
  • Robust admixture suitable for difficult concrete raw materials specially pour quality aggregates
  • Improved shrinkage and creep behaviour
  • Reduced rate of carbonation of the concrete
Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 does not contain chloride or other steel corrosion promoting ingredients. It may therefore be used without any restriction for reinforced and prestressed concrete construction.
Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540
Product Data Sheet Show all documents

Usage

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 is suitable for the production of site mixed as well as ready-mix concrete. Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 is used for concrete with extended transportation of placing time. Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 facilitates extreme water reduction, excellent flow properties, optimal cohesion and highest self compacting behaviour. Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 is mainly used for the following types of concrete:
  • Self compacting concrete (S.C.C) for grade 30 MPa and above
  • Hot weather concrete and concrete with extended transportation or placing time, typically up to 6 hours slump retention with one time dose at the RMC plant
  • Concrete with highest water reduction (up to 30%)
  • High strength concrete (60MPa and above)
  • Slickline concrete
  • Shotcrete
High water reduction and excellent workability have a positive influence on the above mentioned applications.  

Advantages

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 acts by different mechanisms. Through surface absorption and sterical separation effect on the cement particles, in parallel to the hydration on process, the following properties are obtained:
  • Strong self compacting behaviour, therefore suitable for the production of self compacting concrete (S.C.C)
  • Extremely high water reduction (resulting in high density and strengths)
  • Excellent flowability (resulting in highly reduced placing and compacting efforts)
  • Robust admixture suitable for difficult concrete raw materials specially pour quality aggregates
  • Improved shrinkage and creep behaviour
  • Reduced rate of carbonation of the concrete
Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 does not contain chloride or other steel corrosion promoting ingredients. It may therefore be used without any restriction for reinforced and prestressed concrete construction.

Packaging

1000 kg IBC container

Colour

Turbid

Product Details

Sustainability / Certifications / Approvals

APPROVALS / CERTIFICATES

Conforms to the requirements of MNS ASTM C494C/494M:2011.
Product Information

Composition

Polycarboxylic polyether type polymer based on latest flake technology

Shelf life

12 months from date of production

Storage conditions

Should be stored properly in undamaged unopened, original sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5°C and
+35°C. Protected from direct sunlight and frost. In case of long storage mix before.

Density

~ 1.05 ± 0.02 kg/L

pH-Value

4.0 - 6.0 ( at 20⁰ C )

Total chloride ion content

Free (EN 934.01)
Technical Information

Concreting guidance

The standard rules of good concreting practice, concerning production as well as placing, are to be followed. Refer to relevant standards. Fresh concrete must be cured properly.

Application

Application Information

Dispensing

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 is added to the gauging water or simultaneously with it poured into the concrete mixer. For optimum utilization of the high water reduction we recommended thorough mixing at minimal wet mixing of 90 seconds.

Effects of overdosing and underdosing:

Significant overdosage will result in increased workability and setting time of the concrete and will cause bleeding of concrete mix. Underdosage will result  in reduced workability (more difficult placing) and shorter setting times (reduced workable lifes). However, provided the concrete is cured effectively, the ultimate strength and properties will not be affected.

Compatibility

Sika® ViscoCrete®-5540 can be combined with the following Sika Products:

  • SikaPump® Start
  • SikaFume®
  • SikaCrete® L Slurry
  • SikaRapid® series
  • Sika® Aer
  • Sigunit® L54 AF
  • Sika® Fiberforce®
  • SikaTard® series

Pre-trials are recommended if combinations with the above products are being made. Please consult our Technical Services for other Sika Products.
Consumption

Recommended dosage

  • For Low to Medium Workability: 0.5 - 1.1% by weight of cementitious 
  • For Flowing and Self Compacting Concrete (S.C.C): 1.1 - 2.0% by weight of cementitious 

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